Coach has launched its newest, authenticity-inspired campaign, “Courage to Be Real,” with a short film starring Lil Nas X. The campaign is a call to action, promoting self-love, creative expression, and confidence.With the renowned Petra Collins in the director’s seat, Coach’s short film transports audiences through crucial periods of Lil Nas X’s life. The artist’s childhood home in the Atlanta suburbs, a high school music class, a lonely hotel room, and an arena-sized stage provide some of the backdrops for these moments of self-discovery.

At each juncture, a luminous door represents the challenges that the famed singer and rapper worked to overcome. Lil Nas X’s journey through each portal represents personal and artistic growth, featuring his newest single, “STAR WALKIN.’”Styled in the dreamy aesthetic characteristic of Collins’s work, the film envisions a future of inclusivity and open possibilities. Creative director Stuart Vevers commented, “My vision for Coach has always been to create a fashion world where people feel free to express themselves as they are.”

For Coach, Lil Nas X and Petra Collins embody a rich history of creative visionaries, including Coach founder Miles Cahn, who cultivated the organization into the “Original American House of Leather,” and original head designer Bonnie Cashin, whose vibrant bags revolutionized American fashion.

In the past month, Coach has redefined itself as a house of Expressive Luxury, centering its focus on courage and emotional connection. Lil Nas X proudly reflects this ethos, especially in the brand’s latest film. 

“It’s about walking into new chapters of life, new experiences, and new versions of myself,” the artist remarked. “It’s rooted in authenticity and self-expression.”